- A
Ensure all systems are patched monthly.
Why wrong: Patching addresses known vulnerabilities, but ransomware can exploit zero-days or be delivered via social engineering without exploiting a vulnerability.
- B
Implement application whitelisting on all workstations.
Application whitelisting allows only approved programs to run, blocking ransomware executables even if they are downloaded.
- C
Deploy an email spam filter to block phishing emails.
Why wrong: Email filtering can reduce phishing attacks, but ransomware can also be delivered through other vectors such as malicious websites or USB drives.
- D
Conduct annual security awareness training for all employees.
Why wrong: Training helps users recognize threats, but it is not foolproof and does not provide a technical barrier against all ransomware variants.
Quick Answer
The answer is implementing application whitelisting on all workstations. This security measure prevents any unauthorized executable, script, or installer from running, which directly blocks ransomware even if it reaches the system through email or web downloads, making it the most effective single control for ransomware prevention on a limited budget. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of endpoint security controls versus reactive measures like backups; a common trap is choosing antivirus software or user training, but application whitelisting stops unknown malware at the execution point regardless of patch status or user behavior. Remember the memory tip: "Whitelist to resist" — if it’s not approved, it doesn’t run, cutting off ransomware before it encrypts a single file.
FC0-U61 Security Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You are the IT administrator for a small accounting firm with 25 employees. The firm uses a Windows Server 2019 domain controller, a file server, and an email server running Microsoft Exchange. Each employee has a company-issued laptop running Windows 10. The firm recently experienced a ransomware attack that encrypted all files on the file server. The attacker demanded a ransom in Bitcoin. The firm restored the files from a backup that was taken the previous night. However, the CEO is concerned about future attacks and wants to implement additional security measures. The firm has a limited budget and cannot afford a full security suite. Which of the following is the BEST course of action to reduce the risk of another ransomware infection?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Implement application whitelisting on all workstations.
Application whitelisting prevents any unauthorized executable, script, or installer from running, which would block ransomware even if it reaches the system via email or web download. This is the most effective single control on a limited budget because it stops unknown malware at the execution point, regardless of patch status or user behavior.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ensure all systems are patched monthly.
Why it's wrong here
Patching addresses known vulnerabilities, but ransomware can exploit zero-days or be delivered via social engineering without exploiting a vulnerability.
- ✓
Implement application whitelisting on all workstations.
Why this is correct
Application whitelisting allows only approved programs to run, blocking ransomware executables even if they are downloaded.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Deploy an email spam filter to block phishing emails.
Why it's wrong here
Email filtering can reduce phishing attacks, but ransomware can also be delivered through other vectors such as malicious websites or USB drives.
- ✗
Conduct annual security awareness training for all employees.
Why it's wrong here
Training helps users recognize threats, but it is not foolproof and does not provide a technical barrier against all ransomware variants.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose email spam filtering (Option C) because they associate ransomware with phishing, but they overlook that application whitelisting provides a deterministic, policy-based defense that blocks execution regardless of the delivery vector.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Application whitelisting uses Windows AppLocker or Software Restriction Policies to enforce a hash, path, or publisher rule set, allowing only approved executables (e.g., *.exe, *.msi, *.ps1) to run. Ransomware binaries are typically unsigned or have unknown hashes, so they are blocked at the CreateProcess or Win32 API level before any encryption can occur. In a real-world scenario, even if a user double-clicks a malicious attachment, the whitelist policy denies execution, rendering the payload inert.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this FC0-U61 question test?
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement application whitelisting on all workstations. — Application whitelisting prevents any unauthorized executable, script, or installer from running, which would block ransomware even if it reaches the system via email or web download. This is the most effective single control on a limited budget because it stops unknown malware at the execution point, regardless of patch status or user behavior.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This FC0-U61 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U61 exam.
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